Books by Melissa Stewart

Book SynopsisEveryone loves chocolate, right? But how many people actually know where chocolate comes from? How it’s made? Or that monkeys do their part to help this delicious sweet exist?This delectable dessert comes from cocoa beans, which grow on cocoa trees in tropical rain forests. But those trees couldn’t survive without the help of a menagerie of rain forest critters: a pollen-sucking midge, an aphid-munching anole lizard, brain-eating coffin fly maggots—they all pitch in to help the cocoa tree survive. A secondary layer of text delves deeper into statements such as "Cocoa flowers can’t bloom without cocoa leaves . . . and maggots," explaining the interdependence of the plants and animals in the tropical rain forests. Two wise-cracking bookworms appear on every page, adding humor and further commentary, making this book accessible to readers of different ages and reading levels.Back matter includes information about cocoa farming and rain forest preservation, as well as an author’s note.

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Book SynopsisA 2022 Robert F. Sibert Honor BookEveryone knows about animals that hibernate in the winter. But it''s time to discover animals that sleep all summer long!All science classrooms discuss animals that hibernate during winter months, but few know about animals that estivate--a prolonged sleep during hot or dry periods. Dual layers of text awaken readers to the reasons estivating animals become dormant--whether it''s because warm weather threatens food supply or to avoid increased body temperatures. From the ladybug to the salamander, from the lungfish to the desert hedgehog, twelve estivating animals and their habits--both when sleeping and awake--are explained through clear text and elegant watercolor illustrations that create a scrapbook feel.

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Book SynopsisProlific, award-winning nonfiction author Melissa Stewart reveals the surprising ways seashells provide more than shelter to the mollusks that inhabit them.Young naturalists discover thirteen seashells in this elegant introduction to the remarkable versatility of shells. Dual-layered text highlights how shells provide more than a protective home in this expository nonfiction exploration. The informative secondary text underscores characteristics specific to each shell. Elegant watercolor illustrations create a scrapbook feel, depicting children from around the world observing and sketching seashells across shores.

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Book SynopsisA 2022 Robert F. Sibert Honor BookEveryone knows about animals that hibernate in the winter. But it''s time to discover animals that sleep all summer long!All science classrooms discuss animals that hibernate during winter months, but few know about animals that estivate--a prolonged sleep during hot or dry periods. Dual layers of text awaken readers to the reasons estivating animals become dormant--whether it''s because warm weather threatens food supply or to avoid increased body temperatures. From the ladybug to the salamander, from the lungfish to the desert hedgehog, twelve estivating animals and their habits--both when sleeping and awake--are explained through clear text and elegant watercolor illustrations that create a scrapbook feel.

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Book SynopsisAward-winning nonfiction author and science specialist Melissa Stewart offers young readers a mega-exploration of little-known prehistoric predators that rival even the mightiest of dinosaurs!It is time for T. rex and his dinosaur cousins to step aside and let other mega-predators like the terror bird and the giant ripper lizard take the spotlight! Travel back to prehistoric times and meet some of the most impressive creatures to ever roam the Earth. You''ll be amazed at the size and the fierceness of these lesser-known predators, many of them ancient ancestors of animals that we still see today. Stewart''s cheeky, humorous voice?along with a comical version of the familiar "comparison man"?put these creatures in perspective. Artist and former zoologist Howard Gray brings these predators (back) to life with dynamic, humorous, and scientifically accurate illustrations. Sidebars and extensive back matter material provide more detailed information and context.

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Book SynopsisDid you know that almost a third of the world?s 1,300 species of bats are in serious trouble?The latest, updated edition of a teacher and classroom favorite with two brand new illustrations andspotlights on vanishing species and how we can help. Perfect for budding scientists, environmentalists, and nature lovers.Chased from their caves and forests, sickened by cave-dwelling fungi, and swept from the skies by wind turbines, bats have no place to hide. And human actions often contribute to the problems. How can we help ensure that there will be a safe place for bats?In simple yet compelling language, acclaimed science writer Melissa Stewart showcases twelve types of North American bats, from the familiar little brown bat to the Mexican free-tailed bat. Her clear narrative shows the threats these bats face, and updated informative sidebars describe a variety of efforts to save them. In addition, remarkable full-color illustrations vividly and accurately depict bats within the ecosystems that support their survival. Range maps and additional bat facts are also included.This newly updated nonfiction picture book is part of a prize-winning series designed to inform young readers about a wide range of environmental issues and to present ways people can help protect animals and their natural habitats.

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Book SynopsisThe latest updated edition of this fact-filled, colorful look at the amazing world of frogs includes two brand new illustrations and a call to action to protect these beautiful creatures.In simple yet engaging language, acclaimed science writer Melissa Stewart showcases twelve types of North American frogs, from the wood frog to the now rare Oregon spotted frog. Her clear narrative shows the threats these frogs face, and updated, informative sidebars describe a wide variety of efforts to save them. In addition, remarkable full-color illustrations vividly and accurately depict the frogs within the ecosystems that support their survival.This nonfiction picture book is part of a prize-winning series designed to inform young readers about a wide range of environmental issues and to present ways people can help protect animals and their natural habitats.

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